Translational Research in NeuroHIV and Mental Health (TRNAMH)

Funded by NIMH program on mentoring to diversify mental health HIV research through innovative educational initiatives (R25MH080661).

Course description:HIV infection now disproportionately affects racial and ethnic minorities in the United States and neuropsychiatric complications remain a major source of morbidity despite effective antiretroviral treatment. For reasons that remain to be fully understood, members of racial and ethnic minorities infected with HIV have not benefited equally from the scientific advances in prevention/diagnosis and treatment of HIV infection. One important barrier is the dearth of scientists from racial and ethnic groups in the NeuroHIV field. The premise of the Johns Hopkins Translational Research in NeuroHIV and Mental Health (TRNAMH) program is that there is not a lack of talent, but rather a lack of opportunity. TRNAMH is a Research Mentoring Institute made up of expert mentors from across the USA who train and disseminate the latest knowledge in basic, clinical, and mental health complications related to HIV infection of the central nervous system. Built within the program 1) didactic course, 2) pilot grants, and the 3) Research Scholar program, are hands-on mentoring with trainees at their local institutions, as well as long-distance mentoring with neuroHIV experts. Importantly, in-person training and mentoring is made possible through the Research Scholar component. Our postdoctoral fellows and early career trainees are at a critical juncture in their careers where they are completing pilot research, publishing, applying for grants, and receiving promotions in order to gain independence, and hence, the mentoring and training components of TRNAMH provide a crucial resource helping trainees bridge gaps that may arise. The goal is to provide a program that fosters the career development and independence of early career scientists from diverse backgrounds in the field of HIV/AIDS, mental health, and neurological sciences.